Barta requests pay raise for employee [Topeka Capital Journal (KS)]

A week after asking Shawnee County Commissioners to increase the salaries of county employees, Sheriff Richard Barta is leading by example.

Barta is asking the commissioners to approve a $3,400 pay raise for Phil Higdon, a captain with 25 years of experience. Higdon makes an annual salary $68,161.60 -- the same as a senior lieutenant.

"Without such a change, there is no incentive for our officers to promote," Barta wrote in the memo. "I believe it is vital that we pay a salary to our exceptional officers at a rate of pay that is comparable to their experience and skill level."

The discrepency in pay became apparent after the Topeka Capital- Journal in December published salaries of public employees in the city, county and state, he said.

"We're just trying to correct a wrong that should have been corrected six months ago," he said.

Barta's request is listed among the commission's consent agenda for its meeting 9 a.m. Thursday in its chambers in Room B-11 of the county courthouse, 200 S.E. 7th. Approval of the consent agenda, which typically happens without debate, would give Barta authority to increase Higdon's salary. He has to ask the commission's approval because the increase reflects a two-step increase, said Jon Thummel, county human resources director.

The request will come before the commissioners exactly a week after Barta compelled them to consider increasing employee pay. Barta made the plea shortly before the commission voted 3-0 Dec. 22 to approve $23,619 in raises for three administrators.

Commissioners Shelly Buhler, Mary Thomas and Ted Ensley have a few big ticket items to consider Thursday after the consent agenda:

- Six departments are asking for $243,720 to be encumbered from the 2011 budget for next year. Most of that will go toward 2012 health insurance costs for three departments: $66,600 for the sheriff's office; $84,300 for the jail and $48,600 for the health agency.

- The county is asking $100,000 be allocated from the county's special liability fund to pay claims against the county and other unexpected fees that cropped up this year. Money for the fund comes from the general fund, where it will return if any is left over.

- Commissioners also will consider $13,711.22 in improvements and repairs requested by the Kansas Expocentre. The center is requesting $9,500 to install wireless Internet in Landon Arena, Exhibition Hall and Domer Arena. The improvements will enable live- streaming of horse and dog shows -- a request often made by clients. It also is asking for $2,713.25 to purchase 41 pairs of skates; $545 to repair the ice machine at the deli in Exhibition Hall; and $1,352.97 to diagnose a blow-by smoke issue created by a tractor.

Aly Van Dyke can be reached

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